The Land of Lincoln Honor Flight program will fly its 73rd mission on April 15th out of Springfield. 

Eleven Korean War-era veterans and 82 Vietnam-era veterans will fly out to the nation’s capital for the day to see the war memorials there. The list includes at least one veteran from Bethalto. Joan Bortolon (BORT’-oh-loan) is president of the non-profit that orchestrates the Land of Lincoln honor flights. She says that each veteran is accompanied by a guardian to share in the experience, and just about any type of physical challenge can be accommodated.

They are currently selecting veterans for the rest of the flights in 2025. Details and applications are available through the website LandofLincolnHonorFlight.org.